Magnus Carlsen and Bibisara Assaubayeva Win World Blitz Titles
Magnus Carlsen and Bibisara Assaubayeva once again proved why they are among the best blitz players in the world. Both champions lifted the World Blitz crowns at the 2025 FIDE World Blitz Championships held in Doha, Qatar.
Carlsen Claims His Ninth World Blitz Title
Magnus Carlsen defeated Nodirbek Abdusattorov 2.5–1.5 in a thrilling knockout final to win his ninth World Blitz Championship. It was another historic moment for the Norwegian superstar.
The Open Blitz event began with a 19-round Swiss-system tournament. After the first day, Arjun Erigaisi, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Fabiano Caruana were sharing the lead. Six intense rounds on Day 2 decided the top four players who advanced to the knockout stage.
Carlsen faced a dramatic moment earlier in the event when he lost a game due to an illegal move during severe time trouble. Despite this setback, he showed great mental strength and bounced back with four straight wins.
In the final Swiss standings, Caruana finished second, Carlsen took third place, and Abdusattorov qualified fourth on tiebreaks. These four players moved on to the semifinals.
In the knockout stage, Abdusattorov defeated India’s Arjun Erigaisi convincingly. Carlsen faced Fabiano Caruana in a classic rivalry and won the match 2.5–1.5.
The final was packed with tension. Abdusattorov struck first, but Carlsen responded strongly. After three close games, everything came down to the fourth match. Carlsen held his nerve and won, sealing another world title.
Assaubayeva Shines in Women’s Blitz
Bibisara Assaubayeva claimed her third World Blitz title, defeating Anna Muzychuk 2.5–1.5 in the final. This victory also earned her qualification for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.
The Women’s Blitz featured 15 Swiss-system rounds. Eline Roebers led early, but Assaubayeva took control after defeating her in a key game. Later, time trouble caused Assaubayeva to drop a game, making the race even tighter.
After the final Swiss round, five players were tied for first place. Only the top four advanced to the knockouts, and Valentina Gunina narrowly missed out.
In the semifinals, Assaubayeva dominated Zhu Jiner with a clean 3–0 score. Anna Muzychuk reached the final after a tough battle against Eline Roebers.
The final match was extremely close. After three draws, Assaubayeva used the white pieces brilliantly in the last game. Muzychuk faltered in time trouble, allowing Assaubayeva to secure the title.
A Grand Finale in Doha
The championship concluded with a colorful closing ceremony at Qatar University. Players, officials, and fans celebrated five days of top-level chess.
FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand praised the event, calling it a memorable edition filled with high-quality games. He also thanked the Qatar Chess Federation for their excellent organization and continued support of global chess.
The 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships once again showed why blitz chess is one of the most exciting formats in the game.
Photos: Anna Shtourman, Lennart Ootes, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
